Faisal Salisu DambattaProceedings at the Ajegunle District Magistrate’s Court were stalled following a dispute over the court’s authority to enforce an eviction at Alaba International Market, Ojo.
The President of the Association for the Protection and Defence of Human Rights, Mr. Eric Igweokolo, told the court that the eviction of shops H9 and H9A was improper. He argued that the shops did not form part of the original judgment delivered by the magistrate’s court.
Igweokolo informed the court that the matter is already pending at the Lagos State High Court, Badagry Division, insisting that the magistrate’s court lacked jurisdiction to enforce any eviction related to the dispute.
According to him, the original case involved a warehouse at No. 116 Ojo Igbede Road, Ojo, and judgment was delivered on September 9, 2024, granting possession of that property to the claimant. He said enforcement officers later extended the eviction to shops at Alaba Market, which were not listed in the judgment.
In response, Magistrate R. L. Ayilara stated that the court did not exceed its powers. The matter was adjourned to February 4, 2026, for parties to file affidavits and written submissions.
